You Play to Win the Game

That's what former NFL coach and ESPN analyst Herm Edwards said several years ago, and that certainly was the case this past weekend in high school and college football.

The high-flying San Angelo Central Bobcats, undefeated at 6-0 and averaging 56.5 points and 521.8 yards per game, came to Dick Bivins Stadium Friday night to battle the Tascosa Rebels, losers of four straight games and a 40-point underdog.

What happened was an unbelievable effort and passion by the Rebs, as they shocked Central, 48-27. Tascosa forced seven turnovers and controlled time of possession - 32 minutes to 16 minutes.

The Rebels played a game of great offense, defense and special teams to record one of the greatest upsets in school history. Did they believe they could beat Central? Duh, yes. Congratulations to Coach Ken Plunk, the coaches, and players for believing in themselves.

"You play to win the game!"

At the annual Red River Rivalry game in Dallas beteween Texas and Oklahoma, the Longhorns, a two-touchdown underdog, outplayed the undefeated Sooners and won, 36-20. Did they save Coach Mack Brown's job? Did "Big Game" Bob Stoops further lose his mystique?

The senior Longhorns finally get a victory over OU. Did they believe they could beat the Sooners? Duh, yes.

"You play to win the game!"

At Stephenville, the Tarleton State Texans defeated unbeaten West Texas A&M, 31-27. That was the first time Tarleton has beaten the Buffs since the Don Carthel era. I know. I was there for most of those wins on Saturday in Erath County.

Did Tarleton believe they could beat WT? Duh, yes. I believe WT would have won if Coach Carthel had been at the helm. He is only the greatest coach ever in Canyon. But at WT, they really don't care what you have done for them, only how you can control someone from on high.

"You play the win the game!"

Now we have the battle between the Obama Administration and Congress over the government shutdown. All I hear from the Dems is name-calling and obstinance toward any meeting that might lead to compromise. I have Democrat friends, and I am a proud life-long Republican, but this battle must come to an end. Obamacare is a joke and will prove to be so, but how about a year's delay so they can get their "stuff" together?

It's the same game plan the Democrats have had for years - demonize Republicans for wanting to starve children and throw grandma out on the street. Republicans just want to curb spending, so our children and grandchildren will have a chance at a good life. Let's talk and be ready to find common ground, although Obama once said they won the election, and GOPers need to get to the back of the bus.